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17 January 2026 Current Affairs MCQ

Bank won the IBA Banking Tech Award 2026 for:

A. Best Cyber Security
B. Best Digital Lending
C. Best Fintech & DPI Adoption
D. Best MSME Innovation

Answer: C

Explanation:
Karnataka Bank was recognised for Best Fintech & DPI Adoption .


Q17. The ‘Inspiring Innovators’ skilling initiative was launched by:

A. MeitY & Google
B. MIB, PSA & Netflix Fund
C. Skill India & Amazon
D. NITI Aayog & Meta

Answer: B

Explanation:
The initiative was launched jointly by Ministry of I&B, Principal Scientific Adviser, and Netflix Fund .


Appointments & Awards


Q18. Who was appointed as Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?

A. Sanjay Arora
B. Rakesh Aggarwal
C. Dinkar Gupta
D. Alok Verma

Answer: B

Explanation:
Rakesh Aggarwal (1994-batch IPS) was appointed DG, NIA.


Q19. The Tyler Prize 2026 was awarded to:

A. Jane Goodall
B. Vandana Shiva
C. Toby Kiers
D. James Hansen

Answer: C

Explanation:
Toby Kiers received the Tyler Prize for work on mycorrhizal fungi and climate regulation .


Q20. CSIR-NIScPR recently celebrated its:

A. 3rd Foundation Day
B. 4th Foundation Day
C. 5th Foundation Day
D. 10th Foundation Day

Answer: C

Explanation:
CSIR-NIScPR celebrated its 5th Foundation Day , highlighting science communication and AI.


Reports & Global Outlook


Q21. The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects (Jan 2026) projects India’s FY26 GDP growth at:

A. 6.5%
B. 6.8%
C. 7.0%
D. 7.2%

Answer: D

Explanation:
World Bank projected 7.2% GDP growth for India in FY26.


Q22. Wikipedia partnered with tech firms primarily to:

A. Improve cybersecurity
B. Launch paid subscriptions
C. Monetize corporate content usage
D. Develop generative AI

Answer: C

Explanation:
Wikipedia partnered with firms like Microsoft and Meta to monetize corporate use of its content .


Q23. Which Australian university will set up a campus in Bengaluru by August 2026?

A. Monash University
B. University of Sydney
C. Australian National University
D. University of New South Wales

Answer: D

Explanation:
UNSW will establish its campus at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru .


Q24. The UNSW campus in India will be located at:

A. Whitefield
B. Electronic City
C. Manyata Tech Park
D. Yelahanka

Answer: C

Explanation:
The campus will be set up at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru .


Q25. The Export Preparedness Index mainly evaluates:

A. Trade agreements
B. State-wise export ecosystem readiness
C. Foreign investment inflows
D. Port infrastructure

Answer: B

Explanation:
EPI assesses export readiness of Indian States/UTs , covering policy, infrastructure, and business environment.

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